Towards in Unity Leading Education The official magazine for the College of Alberta School Superintendents the Spring 2026 Volume 21, Issue 1 Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661Messages: 5 Message from the Minister of Education and Childcare 7 Message from the CASS President 9 Message from the CASS Chief Executive Officer FOCUS ON… LEADING TOWARDS UNITY IN EDUCATION Features: 10 Fast Forward Flourishing CommUNITY 15 Leading Together Through Labour Disruption: The Power of CASS Member Collaboration 20 Le Conseil scolaire FrancoSud: Quand l’école devient le pilier de la vitalité francophone 23 A Blueprint for Brillance: Uniting Learners in a Thinking Classroom 26 Unity Through Leadership: Collaborative Professional Learning Across Charter School Authorities 28 Optimal Learning: How Edmonton Catholic Schools Journey Together in Unity 31 Student Voice at the Board Table: Advancing Assurance and Shared Responsibility in Rural Public Education Healthy People, Healthy Workplace: 33 Strengthening Well-Being Through Unity in Education ARCHITECT Workun Garrick Partnership .......................................17 ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium...........................13 ATTORNEYS Brownlee LLP ..............................................................9 McLennan Ross LLP ...................................................17 BENEFIT PLANS Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan ...........................................................IFC Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association ............................................................IBC FIELD TRIPS Fort Edmonton Park (Fort Edmonton Management Company) .........................................12 University of Alberta - Botanic Garden .......................25 INCLUSIVE SUMMER CAMP Camp Health, Hope and Happiness .............................6 INSURANCE PROVIDER Intact Public Entities ................................................OBC MODULAR BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS MODUS Structures .....................................................4 MODULAR CLASSROOMS BOXX Modular ....................................................18-19 PERFORMING ARTS Empress Theatre .......................................................22 SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS National Music Centre ...............................................14 UNIVERSITY University of Alberta - Professional Learning ...............34 WATER BOTTLE FILLING STATIONS Dobbin Sales ...............................................................8 YOUTH CAMPS Rotary 5360 ..............................................................30 INDEX TO ADVERTISERS The CASS Connection The official magazine for the College of Alberta School Superintendents Spring 2026 Published for: The College of Alberta School Superintendents Suite 1300, First Edmonton Place 10665 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 3S9 Phone: (780) 540-9205 admin@cass.ab.ca www.cass.ab.ca Published by: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. 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Account Executives Ana Baez, Colleen Bell, Jackie Casburn, Chandler Cousins, Paolo Cruz, Rob Gibson, Wilma Gray-Rose, Jim Hamilton, Craig Hornell, Frank Kenyeres, Brendan Kidney, Sandra Kirby, Andrew Lee, Brian MacIntyre, Chad Morris, Lynn Murphy, Monique Simons Advertising Design James Robinson Layout & Design Cody Chomiak ©2026 Matrix Group Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Printed in Canada. Disclaimer: The College of Alberta School Superintendents does not necessarily endorse the products or services presented in paid advertisements. contents The College of Alberta School Superintendents 3A cross Alberta, our shared commitment to ensuring every student has the oppor- tunity to learn, grow, and thrive unites us. We are for- tunate to live in a province that offers real choice in education – through different school systems, instructional approaches, and pro- gram focuses. While no two schools or boards are alike, our collective goal remains constant: building a system that helps every child reach their full potential. Unity in education is more than a theme – it is a daily practice. It appears when teachers collaborate across grade levels, when school authorities engage their communities or share lessons learned, and when government invests in strong, evidence based strategies that address real classroom needs. True leadership means recognizing that although each school jurisdic- tion has its own context, we all share respon- sibility for preparing the next generation of Albertans for their future. When our priorities align, we strengthen the entire system, creating a more resilient foundation for student success today and for years to come. Today, Alberta’s schools face challenges unlike any we have seen before. Many have experienced rapid enrolment growth, with more than 80,000 new students joining the province in the past three years. In Calgary, nearly one third of students speak English as a second language. These pressures contribute to increasing class sizes and rising classroom complexity. Several recent initiatives demonstrate how the province is working to address these chal- lenges and build long-term capacity. Through the School Construction Accelerator Program, Alberta is investing $8.6 billion to build or modernize more than 130 schools, creating up to 200,000 new or renovated student spaces by 2032. This work includes major expansions, new high schools, modular classrooms, and accelerated timelines that move shovel-ready projects forward months ahead of schedule. Recognizing that infrastructure alone is not enough, government has also established the Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Com- mittee. This committee – where Dr. McMann represents the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS) – has gathered prov- incewide data on class size and complexity. That data is guiding decisions and helping direct funding where it is needed most. In addition, the province has launched the Teacher Advisory Council, a dedicated forum for direct engagement between educators and myself. This council will strengthen commu- nication, elevate teacher voices, and provide insight on issues such as classroom complexity, student behaviour, and teacher preparedness. Its work will align with the release of updated class size and composition data, reinforcing government’s commitment to transparency and evidence informed decision making. Together, these initiatives reflect a shared understanding that unity is strengthened not only through relationships, but through action. By expanding student spaces, listening to those on the front lines, and supporting systemwide collaboration, government is demonstrating its commitment to building an education system that is adaptive, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of today’s learners. Leadership toward unity means invest- ing in people as much as infrastructure – supporting teachers through professional collaboration, empowering administrators with clear policy direction, and engaging families with accessible information and meaningful dialogue. Strong public educa- tion depends on strong partnerships, and our ability to meet future challenges relies on the connections we build today. While many differences exist both inside and outside our classrooms, as long as we move forward with the shared purpose of creating the best possible future for our children, we will succeed in supporting their success and addressing the challenges facing Alberta’s education system. Demetrios Nicolaides | Alberta Minister of Education and Childcare Message from the Minister of Education The Opportunity to Learn, Grow, and Thrive Unity in education is more than a theme – it is a daily practice. The College of Alberta School Superintendents 5I n the Spring 2026 issue of the CASS Connection, the theme “Leading Towards Unity in Education” reso- nates powerfully through the voices and initiatives of Alberta’s educational leaders. The feature articles collectively illus- trate that unity is not merely an aspiration – it is a lived reality, shaped by intentional collabo- ration, shared vision, and the celebration of diversity across our school communities. Across Alberta, unity in education is being built through trust, interdependence, and col- laborative leadership. School divisions are fos- tering resilient and caring environments where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute. Leaders are coming together to navigate challenges, drawing on collective wisdom and support networks to make deci- sions that reflect the best interests of their communities. Professional learning networks are strengthening relationships and enhancing leadership capacity, showing that unity thrives when differences are respected and harnessed for shared growth. Unified approaches to teaching and learning, anchored in clear frameworks and collaborative practices, empower joyful, rigorous, and inclusive environments for all stu- dents. Engagement is further strengthened by amplifying student voices, ensuring that diverse perspectives inform decision-making and guide the direction of educational planning. As we look ahead to the Spring 2026 Learning Conference and other gatherings, these stories remind us that unity in education is a journey – one led by courageous, collab- orative, and compassionate leaders. Together, we are building a future where every learner, educator, and community member is united in purpose and possibility. Call to Action Let us each take up the challenge to lead towards unity in our own spheres – by fostering collaboration, amplifying diverse voices, and building bridges across our communities. Whether you are an educator, administrator, student, or par- ent, your commitment to unity will shape the future of education in Alberta. Join the conversation, share your ideas, and actively participate in upcoming events like the Spring 2026 Learning Conference. Together, let’s create an educational land- scape where unity is not just a theme, but a guiding principle for all. Message from the President CASS Board of Directors Michael McMann | College of Alberta School Superintendents President Mike McMann Superintendent Fort Vermilion School Division Past President Dr. Clint Moroziuk Superintendent Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools 1 st Vice-President Dr. Reagan Weeks Superintendent Prairie Rose School Division 2 nd Vice-President & Zone 4 Director Greg Wedman Deputy Superintendent Wild Rose School Division Zone 1 Director Dr. Jessie Shirley Superintendent Grande Prairie & District Catholic Schools Zone 2/3 Director Krimsen Sumners Superintendent St. Albert Public Schools Zone 5 Director Vincent Behm Deputy Superintendent Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools Zone 6 Director Mike Nightingale Superintendent Lethbridge School Division Director – Metro School Authority Joanne Pitman Chief Superintendent Calgary Board of Education Director – First Nations School Authority (Treaty 7) Jonathan Kaiswatum Director of Education Tsuut’ina Nation Director – Francophone School Authority Dolorèse Nolette Directrice générale / Superintendent Conseil scolaire Centre-Est Chief Executive Officer David Keohane Leading Towards Unity in Education: A Message Inspired by Alberta’s Educational Leaders The College of Alberta School Superintendents 7“ I f you want to go fast, do it alone. If you want to go far, do it together.” This often-cited African prov- erb resonates deeply when applied to K-12 education. Public educa- tion has never been about speed or individ- ual gain. It is about stewardship and shared responsibility, which is also work that unfolds over time and across generations. Education is inherently collective, where students learn in communities, professionals grow through collaboration, and systems succeed when purpose and practice remain aligned. The spring edition of CASS Connection reflects this reality and offers compelling examples of what it looks like when leaders choose to make a difference by doing the work together. Readers will discover system leaders who relied on collaborative networks during peri- ods of labour disruption, demonstrating how shared leadership strengthens both confi- dence and capacity. The stories tell of school authorities intentionally partnering with communities to build trust, identity, and belonging, including in a minority-language David Keohane | College of Alberta School Superintendents Message from the Chief Executive Officer context where education plays a vital role in sustaining culture and connection. This edition also highlights leaders who have aligned instructional practice through shared professional learning, creating coher- ence across classrooms, grades, and systems. From thinking classrooms to system-wide learning frameworks, these examples show how unity is fostered when educators learn together and commit to common approaches while honouring local context. Other stories emphasize the importance of collaboration across governance models, including charter authorities working collectively to strength- en leadership capacity, and school systems creating meaningful opportunities for stu- dent voice at decision-making tables. Col- lectively, these accounts demonstrate how intentional collaboration supports clarity in complex work, reinforces public confidence, and positions education as a shared profes- sional responsibility. The common thread being witnessed should not be mistaken as uniformity, but as an alignment that involves leaders choosing to connect their work to a broader professional community and a shared sense of responsibility. As the College of Alberta School Superinten- dents (CASS), our organization is pleased to share these stories of practice. They reflect the profession- alism, care, and leadership present across Alberta’s Public, Separate, Francophone, and Charter sys- tems. As you explore the articles that follow, consider how these examples resonate within your own context or even become applicable to existing needs. Together, they remind us that while system leadership in education can be demanding, it goes the distance, sustains its importance for commu- nities, and is always more impactful on student learning when its work is shared by everyone. Going Far, Together: Making Unity Matter in Education The College of Alberta School Superintendents 9Next >